LETHAL weapons have been sold to children under 16 by shopkeepers in Crewe and Nantwich, an undercover operation has revealed.

LETHAL weapons have been sold to children under 16 by shopkeepers in Crewe and Nantwich, an undercover operation has revealed.

Twenty eight retailers in the county sold blades, axes and other dangerous weapons to a 13-year-old boy in a sting operation set up by Cheshire County Council.

The boy's haul included weapons from four shops or market stalls in Crewe and Nantwich, and another four in Congleton.

Weapons supplied to the teenager included axes, razor blades and a variety of knives.

Trading Standards team leader Andrew Rees said: 'We tested a number of stores to assess adherence to the law, and found there was a problem.

'A 13 year-old boy was able to buy potentially lethal bladed instruments from 28 shops, market stalls and stores across the county.' The boy attempted purchases at 50 stores, and trading standards chiefs were horrified to find that over half sold him items that are banned to under-16s under the 1996 Offensive Weapons Act.

The teenager, who volunteered for the operation during his summer holidays, was said to 'look no older than his 13 years.' However, many retailers said they were un-aware his age was an issue.

The shops have escaped with a warning and have been given advice on the law.

But trading standards chiefs have warned any caught in a second sting will face legal action.

Andrew Rees was disappointed with the 56% failure rate among the retailers tested.

He said: 'We were aware that we had not tested the legislation regarding sales to under 16s, and were keen to see the extent of the problem in the county.

'Sadly the test revealed that many traders were ignorant of the law, as over half handed over the weapons.

'We have now given the offenders a warning, underlining the law, and will be carrying out the second phase of the operation shortly. Action will be taken on any retailer that fails this second operation.'

In June, the Education and Community Committee changed the council's standing orders to empower Trading Standards to prosecute in cases such as this.

Committee Chair Shirley Harris said: 'It is imperative that we prevent potential weapons like this getting into the hands of our young people.

'I hope our traders heed the advice about the legislation and the number of sales is drastically reduced during the second phase.'